Istanbul: two parts of the world in one city

by Nova Vozrak

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1. Hot soups light up your mood
2. Unusual dishes may be very appetizing

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Istanbul stands on two parts of the world – Europe and Asia. Here, you can find almost any dishes you dream of testing. Yet, coming here, as you have the chance, choose the national ones, for example, lentil soup or dolma. You can order the options you may not find in Turkish restaurants in other parts of the world.

1. Hot soups light up your mood

Cafe Privato Restaurant

#28 of 44574 cafes in Istanbul, Turkey

Tımarcı Sk. No:3, Istanbul, İstanbul, Turkey

Open until 11PM

Lentil soup

A popular and very satisfying dish of Greek cuisine. Soup is traditionally served on a table with a small amount of olive oil and vinegar. Vinegar, of course, is not necessary, but still, try to add it, it improves the taste of lentils and gives an unusual flavor!

Best lentil soup in Istanbul restaurants

If you come to Turkey, make sure to try lentil soup (Mercimek çorbası). This dish may be vegetarian or have meat. It can be of different colours due to the lentils used: brown, red, yellow, or black. If you want a thick soup order the yellow or red variant. Go to Café Privato to try it perfectly cooked.

2. Unusual dishes may be very appetizing

Constantine's Ark Restaurant & Cafe

#99 of 77289 restaurants in Istanbul, Turkey

İbni Kemal Cd. No:13, Istanbul, İstanbul, Turkey

Open until 1:30AM

Dolmas

The name of dolmas comes from Greek "stuffed" or "filled". This dish in grape leaves can be cooked from rice, lamb or beef or it can even be vegetarian. There is a variety of recipes worldwide, choose the best for yourself.

Best dolmas in Istanbul restaurants

If you want to try something new, try dolma in vine leaves. It is usually made with meat or rice. Pickled vine leaves are used for it and add a pleasant salty tone to the taste. The dish is served warm and may be paired with tahini or egg-lemon sauce. As meat is wrapped in the leaves the dish consists of bite-size pieces –dolmas, it works nicely as an appetizer. Visit Constantine's Ark to try it.

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